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Keeping your car looking shiny and protecting its paint from the elements can seem like a never-ending task. But guess what? Ceramic coatings are here to save the day! They give your car a glossy finish, top-notch UV protection, and super-easy dirt and water repellency.
In this guide, we'll show you how to apply a semi-permanent ceramic coating to your car so it looks fantastic. With the proper application, these coatings can last up to five years, keeping your ride looking fresh with minimal effort.
Let's dive into everything you need to know to keep your car looking its best!
Prepare Your Gear
Here’s what you'll need to apply a semi-permanent ceramic coating to your car:
- Carbon Force Ceramic Protective Paint Coating System
This pro-grade ceramic coating gives you five years of protection, crazy good hydrophobicity, and a mirror-like shine. - Workhorse Professional Grade Microfiber Towel 3-Pack (Green)
These lint-free towels are perfect for buffing off ceramic coatings without leaving any streaks or scratches.
Step 1: Prep the Surface
Preparation is super important when applying a ceramic coating. For a detailed guide, check out our blog How to Prep For a Ceramic Coating.
But here's the gist:
- Wash Your Car: Use a specialized cleaner like Clean Slate to eliminate wax, sealants, or residues that could mess with the coating.
- Clay Bar Treatment: This step removes any embedded impurities from the surface.
- Inspect and Polish: Check your car’s paint for swirls or imperfections and polish if needed. Remember, ceramic coatings lock in the paint’s current condition, so fix any flaws first.
- Work in the Right Environment: Work in a shaded, well-ventilated area free from direct sunlight and dust for the best results.
Step 2: Apply Your Ceramic
Now that your car's all prepped, it's time to apply the ceramic coating.
Carbon Force Ceramic Protective Paint Coating System is a tough, pro-grade coating that offers long-lasting protection. You can layer it up for extra durability, and it won't wash off or break down.
- Shake It Up: Give the Carbon Force bottle a good shake. Put a couple of small strips onto the included microfiber applicator.
- Work in Small Sections: This helps ensure the coating doesn’t dry before you’re ready to buff. Use straight, linear motions to spread the coating evenly. Avoid circular motions to prevent swirl marks. Overlap your strokes a bit to make sure you don’t miss any spots.
- Less is More: Be mindful of how much product you use—a little goes a long way.
Step 3: Buff the Surface
After applying Carbon Force to a section, let it “flash” for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You’ll see a faint rainbow effect on the surface—this means it’s ready for buffing.
- Buff It Out: Use a green Workhorse Professional Grade Microfiber Towel, folded into quarters, to gently buff the area and remove any excess coating. (Why green? Check out How to Use the Microfiber Towel Workhorse Color Code System.)
- Reveal the Shine: This step will give you a streak-free, glossy finish. Using the same method, move on to the next section once you've completed one section.
- Cure Time: Let the coating cure for at least 12 hours, ideally in a controlled indoor environment free from moisture or contaminants. For extra protection and maximum durability and performance, extend the curing time to 24 hours.
Absolutely! Applying a ceramic coating might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and steps, you can get pro-level results at home. The Carbon Force Ceramic Protective Paint Coating System gives you unbeatable protection, shine, and durability—definitely worth the investment for your car’s exterior.
So, go ahead, follow this guide, and give your car the ultimate makeover today!
Happy Detailing!
Frequent Questions About How to Apply a Ceramic Coating to Your Car’s Exterior
Once you finish applying Carbon Force, does it need to sit inside for 12 hours?
Absolutely! Letting ceramic coatings like Carbon Force cure for at least twelve hours is key. The longer you let it cure, the better it performs, giving you that unbeatable protection and shine.
Can you add a second layer of Carbon Force right away or do you have to wait 12 hours?
I got it! To ensure the best performance and durability, we recommend letting Carbon Force cure for the full 12 hours before applying a second coat.
Take your time with the process, and your car will look fantastic!
Can Carbon Force be used on glass and wheels?
Yup! Carbon Force is perfect for glossy surfaces like glass, wheels, and trim. It provides that same unbeatable protection and shine, making all parts of your car look fantastic.
Ready to give your car the ultimate makeover?
Can I reuse the applicator sponge from Carbon Force?
Sorry but no. The Carbon Force applicator hardens as the coating cures and cannot be re-used.
Is Carbon Force compatible with vinyl wraps?
Nope, Carbon Force is designed for gloss-painted surfaces, metals, and clear finishes. Instead, try Butter Wet Wax to protect vinyl wraps and add shine.
How do I know Carbon Force is working?
Check for water beading and sheeting. A hydrophobic surface indicates that your Carbon Force ceramic coating is intact.
